Corcoran, Minnesota | 763.494.9237
Advantages, 12th Ed.
The Shotshell Load Encyclopedia
Revised, expanded, and improved: The world's greatest source of shotshell data
With over 3,900 loads, the 12th edition of Advantages contains almost all of BPI's enormous standard load library. Includes chapters that detail the evolution of the modern high-performance shotshell; defining a link from the roots of shotshell invention, the most important technological innovations, and, finally, linking to today's modern shotshell applications. We thoroughly explain the logic behind the physics of the shotshell. With this knowledge, the reader/handloader will be educated to better select optimal components and loads for their specific shooting conditions.
Component Details: Advantages Includes a detailed illustrated component specification section. Modern, high-performance shotshell components are listed with clear, easy-to-follow descriptions, specifications, and recommendations.
Subject Index: A comprehensive subject index and component abbreviation guide makes Advantages an easy-to-use reference; quick to look up and answer almost any reloading question.
Load Data: The extensive load data section includes the latest loads from our lab as well as old favorites for 10, 12, 16, 20, 28 and .410. Includes all the latest innovations in pellet materials, including plated lead, steel, bismuth, Hevi-Shot, BPX-12 Devastator, SpheroTungsten Original-15, and TSS/SpheroTungsten Super Max-18. Details the techniques of specialized loads for clays, waterfowl, upland, turkey, roll crimping and more. (Specialized slug and buckshot data not included. These data may be found in their respective manuals.)
Advantages loads focus on proprietary components made by BPI, TPS, Multi-Metal, BP wads, and hulls from Fiocchi, Federal, Rio, Cheddite, Remington, Winchester and others. Over 356 pages and almost 164 pages of load data; approximately 3,900 loads.
Historical Development: Ballistic Products published the first Advantages manual in the early 1980s. Advantages has been described as the definitive shotshell companion guide. Advantages is named for the ammunition advantage that handloaders bring to their sport through knowledge and a mastery of shotshell ballistics. The finest loads are always custom-crafted by you.
Advantages is for anyone who has ever wanted to master the art of the shotshell. New reloaders and seasoned veterans alike will find this book enjoyable, educational and indispensable; a cornerstone for choosing components and high-performance loads.
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NOTE: The data currently published supersede all previous published data and previous editions. Load data is always being tested and retested. Some loads age better than others. Load data can and does vary according to variations in powder and component production lots. If you ever have a question, please call our customer services. We are glad to help you.
Load #140318-5553 has been retired. We have four revised loads (2 in 2.75" and 2 in 3") to replace this load. Call or email to request this sheet.
Printed and Published in the U.S.A.
Reloaders are talking about Advantages:
"I've been loading rifle and pistol for over 40 years, and have finally decided to get into shotgun loading. I've known for a long time that it was very different from what I was used to with rifle & pistol, so I ordered the Lyman and Advantages manuals, plus the Small Bore, Buckshot, Slug and Dove & Pigeon manuals. Let me say that I couldn't have found a better, more illustrative and lucid starting point than your Advantages manual. GREAT JOB, and THANKS!"
-Dennis M., Stateboro, GA
"Recently received the Advantages manual and have to say that it lives up to its reputation and the sprinkling of humor makes it an enjoyable read! Have been reloading metallic cartridges for over 40 years and just now gathering info to get started with shotshell reloading. Without question it is a must have for anyone interested in loading for their scattergun."
-Angel A., Brandon, FL
"Few books in my collection are as referenced as the latest Advantages manual from Ballistic Products, Inc., as the guide provides an unrivalled look into all things shotshell... For the shotshell reloader Advantages is a must-have, but even non-handloaders could benefit from it by using it to make more informed decisions when purchasing their shotshells."
-Aaron Carter, Editor, American Rifleman, Mar. 2013 see Additional Images
"Your Advantages Manual is by far the most informative and educational reloading manual I have ever read and you have absolutely the largest library of non-toxic load data, especially for the smaller gauge shotgun. You are my first choice for hunting load products and data, especially for the 20ga."
-Joe Bahamonde, Show Low, AZ
"Just hand loaded and roll crimped my first 25 shells! Your Advantages manual, Hull Vise, and Roll Crimper make quality hand loading easy. I don't think I will ever fold crimp again!! Thank you for putting out quality products!!"
-Benjamin C. Tackett, Jr., Blythe, CA
"I have purchased your Advantages, High Performance Loads for Clays and Dove & Pigeon Magic manuals and I am impressed at how much more information you have in your manuals over the competition. You are truly professional in your work. Keep up the good work! I have been loading metallic rifle and pistol ammunition of all calibers for over 40 years and never have dabbled in shot shell reloading. I have hunted dove for years using factory field loads but with old age slipping up, recoil isn't as much fun as it use to be. As with rifle loads, lighter bullets can be driven to higher velocity, same with shotgun loads. Your technical manuals were a great source of information."
-Richard Geer, Devine, TX
"Load #31015-168M for the 20ga is outta this world for shooting pigeons...The reload produces great knock down power @ 38 to 48 yards. Can't wait to put another 100 rounds in the machine. Thanks for your knowledge and your: Advantages 5th Edition."
-Tall Paul, Sacramento, CA
"You have a great company. I can't put down the book (Advantages) I just ordered. Incredible information."
-Peter S., St. Petersburg, FL
"I really enjoyed reading your Advantages manual. The knowledge gained is priceless. I had no idea that there were so many variations in shotshell reloading. I am looking foreward to a long relationship with Ballistic Products."
-Dave H., Shady Valley, TN
"Nowhere else can you find the broad selection of components offered by BPI so well and completely laid out for review. And no one comes close to matching BPI's lineup of components, tools and accessories marketed specifically for shotshell reloaders. Check out Advantages and take advantage of all the great information it provides."
-R.H. VanDenburg, Jr., Know Your Reloads, Shotgun Sports magazine, May 2011
"Advantages is no doubt the best reloading manual I've ever seen. Thank you for providing a lot of good stuff that makes shotgunning fun and exciting."
-G.W., Waldport, OR
"Advantages is the best reloading manual out of several that I own. All the load information aside, the explanations and information in it is great reading for any shotgun shooter, even if you don't intend to reload."
-Tom Aeillo (from Facebook)
Product Reviews Click here to review this item | ||
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Please give us a downloable version | 2/4/2022 |
| This would be so much better in an e-format. And easily updated. I have every other manual in e-format PDF. Other than that its a good reference to have. Thanks for your hard work. | ||
| We would have Advantages in an e-format, but the file is much too large at this time. We can only do this with smaller publications. | ||
| --BP Labs | ||
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Beyond 60yds.......... | 12/9/2017 |
| Ive been hand loading shotgun shells for 44yrs now. I also have gone deeply into just what it takes from both guns & shot shells to do this at the highest levels of performance. I once paid to have Precision Gunsmithing of Toledo, Oh. to rework a Rem. 1100 3 mag. 12ga. barrel to extend my shooting ranges. The 1100s barrel had the forcing cone extended to 2.2 long, .004 overbored, ported the barrel & choke adjusted for my best hand load.......Fio. 3 cases + 1 5/8oz of nickel plated lead shot in the BP shot cup cut with 3 petals & with a 1/8 wool felt in the base of the shot cup + BPs gas seal over SR4756 powder, then buffered with #47 buffering that had motor mica added to ease the shots flow through the barrel wads were also coated with mica. This load gives 1320fps & in that 1100 will pattern a honest 97% @ 40 yds....a result that surpassed even my highest hopes. So then, just as all seemed ideal........the Feds of course banned the use of lead shot for waterfowl hunting....sigh. My next use of the above load formula is going to involve nickel BB, but now Ill be firing them through a Benelli SBE......so perhaps a 3.5 shell may come into being. Coyote beware! ! You owe it to yourself & the game hunted, to get the Advantages manual #10. Although I still have my #3 version, I know Im going to be ordering the latest version. | ||
| - Craig, MI | ||
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Advantages Manual | 10/26/2017 |
| Good name for this manual, The information and load data will definetly give you the advantage over the factory loaded stuff. I purchased this manual to gain more info on shotshell reloading that I felt the other manuals like the lyman manual were lacking. Im glad I did because I use this manual exclusively now and have since purchased many more BPI manuals like the status of steel and buckshot manuals. I now load shot shells for specific game that I hunt and type of hunting I do weather its early season grouse or dove hunting or late season duck and geese. Or the occasional coyote hunting. These manuals will give you the information that will make you a better reloader. | ||
| - Bryce, UT | ||
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WOW...almost Info overload | 5/9/2014 |
| I Read the first 40 pages and all I could do was say Wow....Where was this book in 1983 when I started reloading, If you have it, Read it, Study it, and put this info to use. I know I certainly will, If you cant find the load data in here, it doesnt exist. 364 pages with 197 pages of load data Over 5,700 load recipes. Wow what a book, easy to understand, it explains how things work and why..LOVE it | ||
| - David, MO | ||
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Fabulous | 10/12/2012 |
| Ive been reloading shotshells for 45 years and you outdid yourself with this manual. I own numerous reloading books for shotgun but this one takes the cake! There are answers to questions that you have answered that have puzzled me for years. Keep those manuals comming. | ||
| - Mark, AK | ||
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WOW! | 9/8/2012 |
| A HUGE AMOUNT OF LOAD SELECTIONS | ||
| NE | ||
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THE Go-To Manual that is actually FUN to read | 9/7/2012 |
| Advantages VI was still in print when I decided to Get Smart on reloading shotshells. Ive reloaded rifle and pistol for more than 30 years but never experianced much of an intrest or need for reloading shotshells. As I near my 50th birthday I have come to realize that my sight and arthritic hands/everything else 27 years of the Marine Corps tends to wear on some, more than others. I concluded I might be better severved by a shotgun. As would be the case, the Lyman and RCBS manuals showed up first and I read them cover to cover. They too, are great sourses of information and tought me a lot. But..., here is the big dfference that seperates Advantages VI from the rest. It has a degree of CHARACTER that is more personable than your average reloading manual, let alone enough DATA to cover most any load a person could ever imagine. Advantages 6th edition will be dog-eared before years-end. Id encourage you to get a copy and see for your self, even if you have never reloaded a single round. By the time you set your copy down, you will quite likely have the confidence and knowledge necessary to get the gear and supplies that will best suit YOUR needs. Subsequently beginning this hobby safely and competently. | ||
| - Wyatt Lamson, NC | ||
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Best reloading manual around | 9/7/2012 |
| I already own several shotgun reloading manuals, from several different publishers. The Advantages manual is, by far, the clearest and best-written of them. Has a great variety of loads, as well as wonderful information on how to and why. Just a superb manual that no shooter should miss reading. | ||
| - Tom A, MD | ||
Mica Wad Slick (8 oz)
$9.99
